Monday, 30 September 2013

is my working correct? Vector equations and planes.

is my working correct? Vector equations and planes.

Is my working correct with regards to the following question? Any feedback
is appreciated.
Question: Find a vector equation for the plane that passes through the
points $A(1, 1,a),B(2, 0,−1)$ and $C(−2, 1,−1)$. If a
has the value $−1$, what can you say about the plane?
Is my working correct?
Vector $BA = <-1 , 1, 1+a>$ and vector $CA=<3, 0, 1+a>$
A normal vector to the plane $ABC$ is the vector product
$$n=BA x CA =<1+a, 4(1+a), - 3> $$
A vector equation for the plane is
$$r.n = (2,0,-1).(1+a, 4(1+a), -3) =5+2a$$
If $a=-1$ the plane has equation $r.(0,0,-3) = 3$
which has Cartesian equation $z=-1$ and this is a plane parallel to the
$x-y$ plane.

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